Wilderness Sabyinyo Newsletter – December 2025

December at Sabyinyo has always been synonymous with togetherness. Families arrive with laughter in their luggage, coming to Sabyinyo for the festive break, filling our spaces with warmth and familiar joy. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome solo travelers and couples who choose Sabyinyo as their year-end retreat, reminding us that our lodge is, above all, a home for everyone.

The season came alive through the sparkle of Christmas and the promise of New Year’s celebrations. Thoughtfully curated festive menus, rich with seasonal flavours, brought guests together around the table. The Christmas tree stood proudly dressed, and there was an unmistakable sense of cheer around every corner. As New Year’s Eve approached, the atmosphere buzzed with reflection, laughter, and quiet anticipation, making December truly joyful and memorable for our guests.

Beyond hospitality, December also marked an exciting milestone in our sustainability journey. Our tree nursery area was expanded, and we can now house over 20,000 tree seedlings, double the amount of our previous nursery area, and a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

As we look ahead, this growth means we are better equipped to support long-term conservation efforts, deepen our positive environmental footprint, and align our operations even more closely with the landscapes we are privileged to call home. As we continue seeing the progress of this, through the return of different special species across the property, we’re reminded that planting trees today ensures that tomorrow remains vibrant, balanced, and thriving.

December has a way of dusting a little extra magic over the Sabyinyo team, and this year was no exception. From the season’s iconic red hats to the playful whistles echoing through the lodge, there’s truly never a dull moment when festive spirit meets teamwork.

December was not only a time for celebration, but also for growth and learning. We proudly hosted joint massage training sessions with our Sabyinyo masseuses and colleagues from Bisate, focused on refining techniques, refreshing skills, and sharing expertise across properties.

The impact was immediate: increased confidence, enhanced techniques, and a renewed pride in the craft of wellness were evident throughout the team. More than training, the sessions fostered collaboration and strengthened a shared standard of excellence.

Our staff party was a highlight, with the evening focused on looking forward. Amid gratitude for 2025, there was hope and excitement for the year ahead. Conversations were filled with optimism, plans, and shared aspirations, all grounded in trust and teamwork. The evening concluded in true Sabyinyo fashion, with dancing, drumming, shared laughter, delicious brochettes, and refreshing drinks. A perfect ending to a year defined by hard work, heart, and shared joy.

As we step into a new year, we carry forward these moments, memories, and momentum, grateful for the journey and excited for what’s to come. Here’s to 2026, with the same spirit, passion, and a sprinkling of the festive energy left over from 2025.

Thank you for an amazing time in Rwanda. We are grateful for your hospitality, friendship and warmth. The property is beautiful and your staff is amazing. We had such a memorable stay. Thank you. 
S Family, Rockville, USA 

Thank you for your tremendous hospitality. The staff made our stay unforgettable and the property is beautiful. We wish we could have stayed longer, and hope to return one day to Rwanda and its wonderful people + gentle gorillas. 
M Family, Rockville, USA

What a wonderful place to celebrate my mom’s 60th birthday. The staff was wonderful, the food was so good & the setting, wildlife & lodging was phenomenal. Thanks everyone. We hope to return someday – you have all helped me appreciate Rwanda. 
R.O.B., Chicago, USA 

Thank you for providing such a special and memorable start to our honeymoon. We are so sad to leave! This was one of the best experiences of our lives. We will never forget and will be back! 
J&M, Los Angeles, USA

Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow ! what an incredible experience. Such a lovely place to stay, everyone was so friendly and went above & beyond. A beautiful country and creatures (the gorillas!) Thank you! Hope to return in the future! 
M Family, Vermont